What is on the Middle Level SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a test used by many independent schools as part of their admissions process. The Middle Level SSAT is taken by students applying to grades 6-8.
The Middle Level SSAT is administered on the computer and on paper. It consists of six sections: Writing Sample, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. The Experimental Section is not scored; rather, it is used to test new questions for future SSAT forms.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | 2 prompts | 25 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes (paper) 10 minutes (computer) |
| Quantitative #1 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 40 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Verbal | 60 questions | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative #2 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Experimental | 16 questions | 15 minutes |
All of the questions, with the exception of the Writing Sample, are multiple choice with five answer choices.
Keep reading for more information about each section, including sample questions from the Test Innovators SSAT practice platform.
Writing Sample
The Writing Sample provides you with two prompts to choose from: a personal prompt and a general prompt. The Writing Sample gives you a chance to show schools how well you can express yourself, organize your thoughts, and address a prompt in a logical manner.
Note: The Writing Sample is not scored. Rather, a copy of your writing is sent to schools along with your score report.
Example:
Quantitative #1 and #2
The two Quantitative sections focus primarily on problem solving and critical thinking. The topics covered are algebra, data analysis & probability, geometry, measurement, and numbers & operations. The two sections are combined into one score.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
Reading
The Reading section consists of 8 reading passages with an average of 5 questions for each passage. The passages cover a variety of subjects including fiction, humanities, science, and social studies.
After reading the passage, you will be presented with questions that fall into these categories: main idea; supporting ideas; inference; vocabulary in context; tone, style & figurative language; and organization & logic.
Example:
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of 30 synonym questions and 30 analogy questions.
Synonym questions give you a word and ask you to choose the most similar word from five options.
Example:
Analogy questions ask you to find the answer choice that completes the sentence logically, such that the relationship between the first pair of words is the same as the relationship between the second pair of words.
Example:
The best way to familiarize yourself with the SSAT is to take full-length practice tests. Get started with your prep today!
Preparing for a different level? Check out a breakdown of the Elementary Levels and Upper Level.
